These words of doubt often get so loud that we fail to act."

As an 18-year-old, first-time home buyer, I doubt you'll find a lender willing to give you special terms.

Looking around at the neighborhood, which we also live in, there is cracked cement, messed up grass, and many ground out tree stumps that are no different from this rental.

I doubt Alabama has a law keeping lenders from providing a copy of your credit report since it seems anti-consumer to do so, but I am not familiar with its laws.It is probably the lender's company policy.

Also, if the foundation issues are significant enough to have caused cracks that transverse exterior and interior to the point that light can be seen, I seriously doubt that your rent ready repair budget will cover what is required to get the rent up to market. 

Unless for some reason it is common in NY (I doubt it) to pay utilities why would you?

I doubt you would be liable for back taxes.

You have to be careful, no doubt, but I think it will work.

I doubt it....

If in doubt, I would have the house measured professionally.